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What is the story
Pankaj Rai, a municipal councillor and member of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), was shot dead at his residence in Hajipur, Bihar on Tuesday evening.
The attackers, three men on a motorcycle, opened fire on Rai as he was in a nearby clothing store.
Although he sought refuge in his house, the attackers pursued him into the house and fired several shots.
Rai suffered three gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav attacks Nitish Kumar
Following the incident, RJD leader and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav blamed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his government for Rai’s murder.
He accused them of failing to maintain peace and order in the state.
“NDA goons led by Nitish Kumar shot dead district councillor Pankaj Rai in Hajipur at night,” Yadav said.
He also criticized the government for its alleged indifference to the escalating violence.
“Jungle Empire”: RJD MP attacks state government
RJD MP Mukesh Roshan also visited the hospital and expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar following Rai’s murder.
Describing the incident as a failure of the government, he said, “Pankaj Rai was an active worker of the RJD. His killing is proof that MPs are not safe in their own homes.”
He accused the state government of failing to protect its citizens and described it as “jungle rule” in Bihar.
Rai’s family claims police did not take action on earlier complaint
Rai’s family said he had filed a complaint about a dispute six months before his murder, but the police had taken no action.
Following the shooting, senior police officials, including Superintendent of Police (SP) Har Kishore Rai, visited the crime scene and the hospital to offer comfort to the grieving family.
Investigations have been launched and attempts are being made to identify the perpetrators using video surveillance footage from surrounding areas.
